Willard Ray Ball was born in Castlewood, Virginia, the son of Elmer Darrel Ball and Mabel Edith Patton.
He died 25 August 1944, France
The Kingsport News, 17 August 1948
Willard Ray Ball
The body of Private Willard Ray Ball, 19, son of Rev. and Mrs. Elmer D. Ball, Grevelhy Road, will arrive at the Clinchfield Railroad Station at 2:15 p.m. Tuesday. Pvt Ball, a member of Company F, 115th Infantry, was killed in action in France on August 25, 1944. He entered the service December 11, 1943 and went overseas the following June.
Born near Castlewood, Virginia, he came to Kingsport with his family when only a child. Prior to entry into service he was employed at Holston Ordnance Works.
In addition to his parents he is survived by six brothers, William C, Elbert Darrell, Jack, J.P., Donnie and Dennis and three sisters, Mollie, Elsie and Dollie Ball all at home. Also his paternal grandparents, Mrs. Ora Miller of West Virginia.
Military services will be conducted at the family cemetery in the Gravely section Friday at 2:30 p.m. by Hammond Post No. 3, American Legion. Charles W. Fleenor, chaplain of the post, will have charge of the services, and members of the Post will serve as pallbearers.
The body will be removed from Hamlett-Dobson Chapel to the home Thursday afternoon at 5 p.m. The body will be met by an honor guard from DeWitt Byrd Post, VFW.
- Rank: Private
- Date of birth: 8 January 1925
- Date of death: 25 August 1944
- County: Sullivan
- Hometown: Kingsport
- Service Branch: Army/Army Air Forces
- Division/Assignment: 115th Regiment, 29th Infantry Division
- Theater: Europe
- Conflict: World War II
- Awards: Purple Heart
- Burial/Memorial Location: Oak Hill Cemetery, Kingsport, TN
- Location In Memorial: Pillar XVIII, Top Panel
- Contact us to sponsor Willard R. Ball
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